Korea advances to FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after defeating Lebanon with 22 threes

Korea, which fired off 22 three-pointers, advances to the top 12 with a good feeling. Under the leadership of head coach Ahn Jun-ho, the men's basketball team defeated Lebanon 97-86 in the third preliminary round of Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 held on the 10th at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Korea secured second place in Group A with 2 wins and 1 loss, following Australia's 3 wins. The possibility of Syria (2 losses) defeating Iran (2 wins) is almost nonexistent. Korea is expected to face Guam (1 win, 2 losses), which is likely to finish third in Group B, in the top 12, competing for a spot in the quarterfinals. If Korea defeats Guam, the quarterfinal opponent will be China (3 wins), the top team in Group C. Jun-Seok Yeo (203-C/F-2002), who injured his knee ligament in the match against Australia, did not play. Starting guard Junghyun Lee (191-F-1987)-hyun also sat out. Korea made significant lineup changes, starting Junseok Yang (179-G-2001)-seok, Yoo Gi-sang, Lee Hyun-jung, Moon Jeong-hyun, and Ha Yoon-ki. From the early stages, Korea's three-point shots erupted. Lee Hyun-jung, Yoo Gi-sang, and Junseok Yang-seok took turns hitting three-pointers. Even Jeong Seong-woo, who entered as a substitute, joined the three-point barrage. Korea led the first quarter 26-17, gaining momentum. In the second quarter, Yoo Gi-sang and Lee Hyun-jung exploded as well. Each player hit four three-pointers in turns. Woosuk Lee (196-F-1999), who came in for Lee Hyun-jung, also made a three-pointer. Korea attempted 25 three-pointers by the end of the second quarter, making as many as 13 (52%). Korea wrapped up the first half leading 52-36 by 16 points. Immediately at the start of the third quarter, Yoo Gi-sang hit another three-pointer. Even big man Lee Seung-hyun joined the three-point shooting team. Midway through the fourth quarter, Korea surged ahead 87-64, pulling away by 23 points, which secured the victory. Korea confirmed their win by substituting Lee Hyun-jung and Yoo Gi-sang. Yoo Gi-sang and Lee Hyun-jung filled in for the absences of Junghyun Lee and Jun-Seok Yeo. Yoo Gi-sang shot 12 three-pointers, making 8 of them for a success rate of 66.7%. With three-pointers better than most free throws, Yoo Gi-sang shone with 28 points. Hyunjung Lee (201-G/F-2000, college: Davidson) also contributed with 28 points, including 7 three-pointers (7/12, 58.3%), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Yoo Gi-sang and Lee Hyunjung combined for 15 three-pointers. Junseok Yang orchestrated the game with 10 points, 8 assists, and 1 steal. Korea's three-point shooting was an unbelievable level at 22/38, 57.9%. A total of 29 assists were recorded. Lebanon felt the significant absence of Asia's best guard, Wael Arakji (193-G-1994). Didrick Lawson, who struggled with just 7 points, showed no dominance as he had previously done in Korea due to his weight gain. Lebanon appeared unable to cope with Korea's explosive three-point shooting.
Courtesy of: biz.chosun.com